Kansas City's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in prime time last night gave the St. Louis Rams the second pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. Both the Rams and the Vikings are 2-9, but the results of the prime time game last night factor into the strength of schedule tie breaker used for to position teams in the NFL Draft. The way things look now, the Rams should be in firm control of either the second or third pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
For those of you keeping score at home, 2012 would be the fourth time in five years that the Rams have had a top two or three pick in the NFL Draft. With the notable exception of offensive tackle Jason Smith, the Rams have done okay with their high picks since 2008. Chris Long set a career-high for sacks yesterday. Sam Bradford won the 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, but is mired in a sophomore slump that has fans wondering if he can salvage the promise that made him worthy of the first pick in the draft in 2010.
The biggest question for the Rams right now regarding the draft is who will be making the picks? Some reports are suggesting that owner Stan Kroenke is already looking for a new general manager to replace Billy Devaney. The world should have a better idea about the situation at Rams Park in January.
As for the pick itself, Russ Lande at the Sporting News has a 2012 NFL Mock Draft out today that has the Rams selecting USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil. It sure is hard to quibble with the Rams' need or Kalil's talent. He already has been touted as one of the best tackles in the draft since Jake Long. Then again, every top ten pick looks like a sure thing to most this far out from the Draft.
Other options would be cornerbacks like Moris Claiborne or LSU or Dre Kirkpatrick of Alabama; a receiver like Justin Blackmon; or maybe a trade down based on the available quarterback talent behind Andrew Luck.
With the Rams season officially in the tank, draft talk will rule the day among Rams fans. Stay tuned.